VERTICAL AXIS WIND
TURBINE
Brandon Guerra
Devan Rodriguez
Austin Noel
Micah Thornton
Advisor: Dr. Cris Koutsougeras
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The objective of this project is to design a vertical axis
wind turbine that will allow us to utilize the wind energy
available in the area surrounding the sustainability
center.
We plan to use renewable energy from the wind by
converting the kinetic energy into usable electrical
energy.
PREVIOUS DESIGNS
• 18’ aluminum shaft
• Two, 8’x4’ panels

Gear and Pulley System’

The Shaft is mounted on each
end with a pillow block bearing.

Shaft connected to a belt driven
pulley system that is connected
to an alternator.
Previous Design Faults
• Non-functional system to orient panels according to wind direction
• Unstable foundation
• Was not high enough to effectively capture wind energy
• No Energy captured, i.e. no batteries hooked up to alternators to harness power
generated from the torque of the shaft.
WIND ACTIVITY IN HAMMOND, LA

Over the course of the year typical wind speeds vary from 0 mph to 14
mph (calm to moderate breeze), rarely exceeding 20 mph (fresh
breeze).

The highest average wind speed of 6 mph (light breeze) occurs
around March 2, at which time the average daily maximum wind
speed is 14 mph (moderate breeze).

The lowest average wind speed of 2 mph (light air) occurs around July
24, at which time the average daily maximum wind speed is 10
mph (gentle breeze).

In Hammond, the wind come from the North (14% of the time), SouthEast (11%), North-East (4%), South-West (3%),
ANEMOMETER
.
DC-540 PERMANENT MAGNET
ALTERNATOR
$225.00
. PERFECT WIND GENERATOR IN
AREA S THAT EXPERIENCE
AVERAGE WINDS OF 5-15 MPH
. MODEL REACHES 12 VOLTS AT
130 RPM
STRUCTURAL/FOUNDATION DESIGN

The goal is to use the previous materials as
much as possible.
 Structure:
 Extension
panels
or possible new shaft for additional
 Foundation:
 Permanent
foundation at SELU Sustainability Center
 Underground
foundation and attached guidewires
for extra stability
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
FOR BLADES

Lightweight

Weather-Proof

Strong, can hold up to increased wind speeds

Potential Materials:

Carbon Fiber

Aluminum

Styrofoam

Fiber Glass
TRANSMISSION

There are many types of transmissions to consider when building a turbine.

The three transmissions that we are considering right now are:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Pulley and Belt Drive

Gear Drive
PROGRESS

Met with Bryon Patterson, the director of the Physical Plant, at
SLU’s sustainability center to discuss placement of proposed
structure and resources available for fabrication of design.

Discussed practical improvements/replacements to previous
design.

Researched potential material for structure and panels.

Researched different kind of transmissions.
DELIVERABLES
 Turbine
Layout/Design
 Creating
new system to orient panels (Contacting
previous group about the old CAM system)
 Mechanical
Strength Criteria and a Structural
analysis of base and vertical structure
 Selected
 Budget
Materials and transmission Design
TIMELINE
Tasks to Complete:
Timeframe for Tasks:
Decision on Materials and
Transmission
March 5-11
Turbine Layout and Design
March12-18
Structural Analysis (Base)
March 19-25
Structural Analysis (Vertical
Structure)
March 26-April 1
Structural Analysis on Vertical
Panels
April 2-8
Drivetrain Design
April 9-15
Transmission Analysis
April 23-29
QUESTIONS ?
PLEASE!